07 Mar March 7, 1944

letter
from: Pvt George W. Shonkwiler
to: Mrs. Alice Shonkwiler
3-7-44, 9:15 P.M.

Dear Alice and Ronnie,

Well at last this long day is over.  These last two days have been the worst
yet.  I think yesterday none of us were over our shots 100% so to get us back
to par I think they gave us an extra dose of everything.  Then to see that we
didn’t have any time to ourselves after we were supposedly all through last
nite[,] they ordered rifle inspections, and gave us 1/2 hour to clean our
rifles and prepare for it, during which time we weren’t allowed off the Co.
area.  Then at 9:30 P.M. they came around and called it off.  We had worked
like hell cleaning those damn rifles for nothing.  Then today all day long it
has rained and rained hard.  But that doesn’t stop the Army.  We went through
our

page 2
regular routine plus and [an] extra hour of close order drills plus hand
grenade practice and extended order drill.  We wore raincoats but after 12
hours in the rain they became poor protection from rain and cold.  On top of
all that[,] at lunch, dinner and after finishing our two one-hour classes
tonite we had to take our rifles down clean them and oil them.  They claim it
has to be done so often in this kind of weather because everything rusts so
fast here.  Anyhow I hope we don’t have many more days like this one.

We finally got a plug for the radio and it is a godsend.  The whole gang are
in the hut now cleaning rifles, writing letters and listening to it.  Someone
turned George Burns and Gracie Allen on and that’s what we are listening to.
Personally I think they stink but the rest of them seem to be enjoying it so I
guess that’s what counts.

page 3
Anything is better than nothing which is what we were getting used to.

Last nite one of the fellow’s relatives sent him a pack of oranges and a box of
candy and cookies.  Boy you should have seen that stuff vanish.  We get 1 orange
a week here and practically no other fruit.  It certainly tasted good.  I had
two oranges and my fill of candy and cookies.

I didn’t receive any mail today - you’re slipping - but did get a package slip.
But had no opportunity to go get it and doubt if I will be able to tomorrow
either as we have nite classes tomorrow too.

Glad to hear you can get a driver’s license.  As for driving down here, that’s
up to you.  I know it would be quite a trip

page 4
with considerable risk[,] but you see if I don’t have a car here when I am
shipped out[,] I have to take the troop train out of here.  If your wife is
here she goes home on another train.  But if you have a car here with or
without your wife[,] you are allowed driving time and so much a mile and can
take your own car home.  Why they have to do it that way is a mystery to me too
but I have learned that when you are in the army you do it the army way.  So
you see you could come down in a train but you would have to go back by
yourself.  But if you drove down we could go back together in the car.
Providing, of course, it is possible to get enough gas.  As for coming down
here before then - on a train after my six weeks basic is over they say we have
it a lot nicer here and have a little more time, so maybe after that then, if
you can find the money, maybe I can

page 5

find a place for you and Ronnie to stay for a few days.

I understand we are allowed passes this week but because I am kinda low on
money and have no great yearning to go any place around here anyway[,] don’t
think I will take advantage of it.  We must be pretty good company because they
are giving us passes one week ahead of the usual time.

Got a card from Forest saying he would get a 9 day furrow Mar 16th.  Crtainly
is a break.  What I wouldn’t do with 9 days vacation right now.

So Ronnie, you are growing up fast and are doing things in a big way.  That’s
fine and keep up the good work.  Sure wished I could see

page 6
you and Mommy.

Well it’s 9:45 P.M. and past time for "lights out" so had better hurry and get
this over and mailed.

Daddy